Josh Hockett posted screenshots of a text conversation with Paulo Costa in which the Brazilian demanded $100,000, saying "100k and we're even. Give me my money back." Hockett responded with crude jokes, including asking Costa if he likes pizza and making a vulgar remark. Costa replied that he eats a lot of pizza to bulk up and fight Hockett. Hockett captioned the post "Stupid Brazilian." The context of the money demand was not explained in the post.
A social media spat between Paulo Costa and Josh Hockett spilled into public view on April 18, when Hockett posted screenshots of a text exchange in which the Brazilian middleweight demanded $100,000.
In the messages, Costa told Hockett, "100k and we're even. Give me my money back." Hockett responded with crude humor, asking Costa whether he likes pizza and adding a vulgar remark. Costa fired back that he eats plenty of pizza to bulk up and fight Hockett. Hockett captioned the post with the phrase "Stupid Brazilian." Neither fighter explained the origin of the money dispute.
Costa, 35, competes at middleweight and holds a 16-4-0 professional record. Currently ranked 13th in the division, the Brazilian fights out of Team Borracha and brings one of the more aggressive striking profiles in the weight class, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Standing 185 cm with a 183 cm reach, he operates out of an orthodox stance and has historically shown minimal interest in grappling, averaging just 0.32 takedowns per 15 minutes and recording no submission attempts.
Why it matters
- The public nature of the exchange puts pressure on both fighters to clarify the financial dispute, which remains unexplained.
- Costa is ranked 13th at middleweight, and any off-cage controversy can affect his positioning with matchmakers.
- The tone of the exchange suggests a genuine grievance on Costa's part rather than a promotional stunt, though no official statement has been issued by either side.
